I was at Scheels today, and noticed that things were very different from my last visit. Display cases that were removed not long ago so as to not bring attention to how empty they were getting to be, were back again, and now they were all full of handguns of every brand. Long guns were back, with multiples of almost all the popular ones that were missing recently. Ammo was also back in a big way, with all calibers represented in large numbers.
But there was something missing: Customers.
Sure, plenty of inventory to buy, but the prices were so high that I guess people no longer see anything as worthwhile. A 50 round box of Wolf 9mm steel case for $20 was the cheapest FMJ 9mm ammo. The rest was upwards of $30. A S&W Sport 2 AR15 used to sell for $550 elsewhere, but $600 at Scheels. Now it's $800 at Scheels.
I bought a S&W Shield 9mm less than a year ago there for $429. Now it's $499.
A Ruger 10/22 rifle with a regular wood stock is $319. It used to be about $100 less before.
Let's hope the law of supply and demand takes hold. If prices are too high, people don't buy, forcing prices back down.
But there was something missing: Customers.
Sure, plenty of inventory to buy, but the prices were so high that I guess people no longer see anything as worthwhile. A 50 round box of Wolf 9mm steel case for $20 was the cheapest FMJ 9mm ammo. The rest was upwards of $30. A S&W Sport 2 AR15 used to sell for $550 elsewhere, but $600 at Scheels. Now it's $800 at Scheels.
I bought a S&W Shield 9mm less than a year ago there for $429. Now it's $499.
A Ruger 10/22 rifle with a regular wood stock is $319. It used to be about $100 less before.
Let's hope the law of supply and demand takes hold. If prices are too high, people don't buy, forcing prices back down.